Skip to Content
MSc | Postgraduate Taught

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Entry year
Academic Year 2026/27
Entry requirements
2.1
Attendance
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
TBC (Full Time)

MSc Robotics & AI is designed to prepare students to embark on an industrial career or further research studies in academia, with knowledge and skills in Robotics, Mathematics, AI, Machine Learning, Mechatronics, Computer Vision, and control, estimation and identification of dynamical systems. They will gain experience in applying the AI and system-theoretic knowledge and skills to develop engineering applications within robotics.

Its extensive programme is based on both fundamental theory and applications. It provides the necessary tools for a successful career path in industries, and is also preparing students aspiring to embark on postgraduate research studies.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence highlights

World Class Facilities

Our facilities have recently undergone a £10m refurbishment and include laboratories for Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Microengineering, Electronics, Communications, Circuits, Instrumentation, Virtual Reality, Software Engineering, Renewable Energy, Power and Machines. The newly established Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) led by Queen's University Belfast, is a key enabler for manufacturing in Northern Ireland, nationally and globally, as an industry-led, open-access manufacturing and engineering innovation centre with state-of-the-art facilities and an expert engineering team, underpinned by academic excellence. 

Course Structure

Students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.

Course Details

The MSc is taught over three days each week during the semester for Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring). You will study one module per day, with 6–7 hours of teaching for that module. This timetable stays the same throughout the semester. Apart from six modules in total, the students carry out an independent research project and write their MSc dissertation in the summer.

In any given year further specialist topics may be available or some topics may not be offered.

Programme Modules

This programme will cover the following however delivery and modules may be subject to change.

Foundations of AI – covers the mathematical foundations of AI

Machine learning - covers machine learning theory, classical algorithms, and case studies.

Mechatronics for Robotics - this hands-on module covers embedded software and hardware with an emphasis on utilisation on mechatronics and especially robotics, using microcontrollers, sensors and actuators.

Robotics - covers all fundamentals in robotics such as kinematics and dynamics and robot control,
architectures and ML/AI applications within robotics

Computer vision - covers traditional approaches and deep learning approaches in tasks including
image/video classification, detection and retrieval, and case studies.

Control – provides a toolkit for analysis, control, estimation and identification of dynamical systems, with an emphasis in robotics

Themed Research Project - Students will further develop their skills in robotics and AI by solving
problems in robotics utilising robotics offered by School labs and / or purchased for each project
(e.g., mobile robots, UAVs, robotic manipulators). Examples include motion planning, robotic
application using computer vision, AI/ML approaches to human-robot interaction, control of
robotic manipulators etc. Industry-sponsored themes will be encouraged be included, in potential
collaboration with Queen’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (AMIC). We offer a
large number of project proposals every year.

People teaching you

Course Director

School of EEECS
Email: n.athanasopoulos@qub.ac.uk

Learning and Teaching

Learning and Teaching

Academic Team

You will be taught by a team of experts in their subject areas and are active researchers in those subjects. Often our students conduct their individual research project within an ongoing research project so they get exposed to the state of the art in Robotics and AI.

English Language Support

The school is offering support on the use of English in academic writing. This will help you not only during your studies at Queen’s, but also in your future career.

Mathematics Support

The school is offering additional support on mathematics. Queen’s University is also home to MASH: the Mathematics and Statistics Helpdesk.

Modules

Each module normally involves 6-7 hours of lectures, labwork and contact time per week.

Transferable Skills

We give a lot of emphasis on the development of transferable skills, such as the communication skills, time management and prioritisation, research and critical thinking, effective CV writing and interview skills, collaboration and more.

Virtual Learning Environment

All modules have a virtual learning environment (using Canvas) where the students can find all relevant material (lecture notes, handouts, video lectures) as well as online quizzes and assignments. Without a doubt, having all learning resources in one place is very useful.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Coursework
  • Project dissertation

What our academics say

PREV
Overview

NEXT
Modules

Modules

The information provided in this Course Finder reflects the module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Please note that modules are subject to annual review and changes may occur in response to various factors, including student feedback and academic developments. Prospective students will be notified of any significant changes to module offerings before the start of the new academic year.

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline.

Applicants must normally have achieved 2:1 standard or above in relevant modules.

Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University) in one of the above disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All applicants will be expected to have very good mathematical ability and significant programming experience as evidenced either through the content of their primary degree or through another appropriate formal qualification.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

PREV
Modules

NEXT
Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

-
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Prizes and Awards

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £7,700
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £7,700
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £10,400
EU Other 3 £27,600
International £27,600

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

PREV
Careers

NEXT
Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus